CORRECTION: This story originally ran in the March 20 edition of the Torch with information about the former keynote speaker. The keynote speaker has since been changed to Nathan DiLorenzo, so we updated this article to reflect this update.
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Ferris students are being given an opportunity to learn real-world skills from sports communication professionals. The Biz-Comm Sports Summit, hosted by the Ferris public relations program, will take place noon — 4 p.m. Friday, March 22, in the University Center ballroom and will feature five speakers with unique professional experience in sports communication.
“The purpose of the Biz-Comm Sports Summit is to connect real-world sports practitioners in business communication with Ferris students majoring in these fields. The event is intended to help students build relationships, and gain knowledge and advice while encouraging a spirit of collaboration,” Ferris public relations and marketing professor Dr. Patrick Bishop said.
The keynote presenter for the event is Nathan DiLorenzo, Manager of Business Development and Premium Partnerships for the Detroit Lions. DiLorenzo has 12 years of professional experience that he will be speaking about at the event. Along with the Lions, DiLorenzo’s experience comes from working for the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors, and with the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers.
Other speakers at the event also work within some of Michigan’s professional sports teams.
In hockey, staff members from both the Grand Rapids Griffins and Flint Firebirds will be presenting at the summit. From professional baseball, representatives from the West Michigan Whitecaps and Great Lakes Loons will also speak about their professional experience. One of those speakers, Flint Firebirds Director of Broadcasting and Communication Dominic Hennig, is a Ferris public relations alum.
“No one else is offering an event like this. In one afternoon, students will get to hear from and mingle with several business-communication professionals from major and minor league teams throughout Michigan. It’s unprecedented. Plus, it’s funded by the College of Business, making it free for Ferris students who pre-register,” Bishop said.
The event is free to all students, though there are only 150 tickets available. Tickets for the summit can be acquired at 2019sportssummit.eventbrite.com.